PORTLAND, Ore. --- The Portland Pilots scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, which included a go-ahead, two-run double off the bat of Gabe Skoro, to claim a thrilling, 5-3 comeback win over the Oregon Ducks on a chilly Tuesday night at Joe Etzel Field. The win is the fourth straight for the Pilots over their in-state rival, dating back to the 2017 season.
 
After the home team couldn't get much going offensively during the first seven innings, Portland's (9-4) bats came alive in the eighth when they were trailing 3-0. With one out, Matt Kelly reached base on a single down the right-field line, which sparked a stretch of six straight hits for the Pilots. Daniel Lopez followed Kelly with a base hit, and Cody Hawken singled to right field to bring in Portland's first run of the game.
 
After Lopez and Hawken moved up a base on a wild pitch, Hunter Montgomery stepped up to the plate, and he came through with a clutch single to left field, scoring both Lopez and Hawken to tie the score 3-3. Jace McKinney kept the rally alive with a single to put two runners on base.
 
The next batter was Skoro, a pinch hitter, and he sent a double deep into the left-center gap, scoring two and handing the Pilots their first lead of the night.
 
The Ducks (7-3), who had won six straight games and climbed to No. 2 in the most recent RPI rankings, finally got out of the inning, but they now trailed by two. Portland turned to its closer in the top of the ninth inning, and Connor Knutson retired the side in order, which included two strike outs, to collect his fourth save of the year.
 
Both teams used a plethora of pitchers, and the win goes to Portland freshman Peter Allegro (2-0), who recorded the final two outs in the top of the eighth inning. Nico Tellache (1-1) was responsible for three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, while Brett Walker allowed in the other two.
 
The Ducks scored the only run during the first seven innings when Cameron Campbell doubled in a run in the top of the second. The run was the only blemish for Portland starter Cameron Richman, who struck out six in 5.0 innings.
 
Oregon's other two runs came in the top of the eighth inning before Portland rallied in the home half of the frame.
 
Chad Stevens, Hawken, and McKinney each had two hits as the Pilots totaled 11 as a team.
 
Next up for the Pilots is a visit from Northern Colorado for a four-game series this weekend at Joe Etzel Field. Friday's opener is set to begin at 3 p.m., and the two teams will play a double header on Saturday with first pitch of game one scheduled for 12 p.m. Sunday' finale is also set for 12 p.m.